Osmanthus burkwoodii, also known as the fragrant olive shrub or sweet olive tree, is a flowering plant in the olive family. Native to southern China and Taiwan (and likely other parts of Asia), it is also cultivated in many areas as an ornamental plant for its fragrant flowers. It has been used recently for its anti-mosquito properties. A shrub with an average height of about 2 meters, it is commonly used in traditional medicine; the fruit and flower are used as remedies for a number of ailments.
1. Introducing the fragrant olive shrub or sweet olive tree, Osmanthus burkwoodii
The fragrant olive shrub or sweet olive tree, Osmanthus burkwoodii, is a very popular plant that is grown for its fragrant flowers and as a decorative ornamental in southern China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The fragrant olive shrub is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to 6 m tall.The branches and seed pods can reach up to 6 m in length, which makes it a fairly short-lived tree, with most of its life cycle occurring in the ground. It is evergreen, but overwints well in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9.
Osmanthus belongs to the family Apiaceae and is native to Asia, from northern China and the southern Japanese islands to the southern Philippines and southern Thailand. It is one of the more important name species for medicinal plants in China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. It is commercially cultivated for its fragrant flowers.
Osmanthus is a very popular medicinal plant; it is sometimes referred to as the ‘rice plant’ due to its affinity for rice. This plant is commonly known by its botanical name in Chinese; others commonly used are Parsley (Artichoke), Mullein, Viola, Eucalyptus, Astragalus, Morinda Aloe, Dana Alkamony, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Litchi, and Maca.
The flowers and fruit contain compounds that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions, such as asthma, inflammation, insomnia, headache, and cardiovascular disorders. The FDA states:
“The US National Library of Medicine reports that the fruits of the plant have been used for neuroscience research, especially in cases of cortical encephalopathy. It is also a traditional medicine for central nervous system treatments.”
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes herbal remedies as the main form of treatment. The oils or their extracts from the plant are often used to boost the immune system, clear out sinus problems, soothe aches and pains, fight inflammation, and soothe fatigue. It is used not only for treating disease, but also for preserving health. Traditional methods of preparing the oil for use include infusing, cold and hot water distillation, and the use of qigong.
2. Where does this shrub come from?
This shrub is native to the Mediterranean and is one of the most popular herbal remedies in the world.
OSEANTHRIS NEUNHUA
Syn. Psidicate alba
Scientific name: Orangopot Nahan 1806, Orangopot Nahan 1799
Family: Lamiaceae
Growing 12 to 18 meters tall and with bright yellow or white flowers in a skin covering, this is one of the most sought-afterizing shrubs in Mediterranean countries.
Getting started: Begin by dissecting the rootball for easy identification of the various elements involved in the formation of the shrub. Depending on where you get your information, yellow, orange, red or purple are the most common colorations. The edible part of the plant is edible raw.
Benefits: Orangopot Nahan is an effective remedy when used for its antimalarial activities. It is also useful as a general prevention against colds and the flu that are common among travelers.
Osmanthus is a perennial plant that requires annual disturbance to grow new growth, which peaks in late spring. Before trying to shake off an excess of foliage, it may help to establish the new growth by pruning the oldest and toughest branches.
Osmanthus is used for thousands of traditional Chinese and western medicinal purposes, the vast majority of which center around alleviating cough, cold symptoms and the flu.
3. What are the benefits of having an Osmanthus burkwoodii in your yard?
Osmanthus burkwoodii is an evergreen shrub that is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Its botanical name is Osmanthus fragrans. Its flowers are fragrant and have a strong sweet scent. The flowers are usually white in color.Each cluster of ten flowers is about 0.4-0.8cm long, pale pink in color, and up to 6 mm in diameter. The young leaves are lanceolate or ovate in shape, and have heads that are ovate, broadly expanded, and narrowly seceded. The plants are bland green above and typically dark green below in color; they have a circular flower body and downy prickly hairs on the stems. The taste is mildly sharp and the fruit has a fairly high fat content (20%+) and is considered salty. Roughly 35% of the ripe fruit is edible including the seeds.
Osmanthus usually grows in rich soil in full sun to partial shade, but some species may also do well in less-than-ideal conditions (such as partial shade or wet soil). Plant the seedlings as soon as they are able to attain a mass of about 15 cm across. Fertilize once a month during the first year. Water thoroughly, giving the soil a good stir once or twice a week. After six months, transplant the seedlings to a potting mixture to encourage even growth. Successful establishment can take two years or longer; of traditional value, this species is not very widely grown or known outside of its native areas.
Modern cultivation of this species started some 60 years ago with the introduction of fertilizer and botanical culturing techniques. Since then it has grown into a popular landscape plant in its native regions. References to this species appear in the literature of Chinese medicine, which describe it as an effective treatment or prevention for a number of ailments.
Fun facts
The cost of Osmanthus burkwoodii is about $16 a gram. The average price of a bag of dried red chile peppers (4 ounces each) is priced at approximately $8.00 per pound.
4. In what ways can you use this plant to keep mosquitoes away from your yard?
A great way to use plants to keep mosquitoes away from your yard is to make a barrier of tall plants that will block them. We’ve all heard by now that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and carbon dioxide, so wearing light colours and exhaling more slowly can help deter them.Mosquito holes should be at least 5 mm deep. We can also create barriers with low branches like fern fronds or old lady’s fingers, which is what I did in the pictures above. Even something as simple as placing a few lavender or rosemary plants around your yard can help. A free tool that can help find and mark in your lawn where these spots are is called a mosquito locator. You can find information on how to use one here.
This plant can also be used as a alternative medicine; parts of the plant have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, dandruff, and hair loss. It is probably not an ingredient you would find on the label of a high end homeopathic medicine, but its ingredients are very safe and likely not harmful when consumed in small quantities as important homeopathic ingredients like menthol are. You can read more about its traditional use here or here. Osmanthus can also be chewed to promote sweating; to increase its water-retaining capacity, the leaves can also be boiled. The leaves can also be dried and powdered to make a tea, which can be offered to people in mountain regions during winter.
Website: https://www.hedgeplants.com/product/osmanthus-burkwoodii/